Canadian Black Book adds to management team

Cole Reiken has been named V-P of digital strategy and product management at Canadian Black Book.

Reiken, who boasts online and digital experience in both B2B and B2C segments, complements the current strategic direction of Canadian Black Book as it moves towards new digital solutions for the industry and consumer spaces, the company says.

Canadian Black Book notes that Reiken has led some of Canada’s foremost digital media and online automotive properties including playing pivotal roles in developing strategies for growing the capabilities and traffic to Kijiji.ca, Driving.ca, Auto Trader and eBay Motors.

“Canadian Black Book has shown time and again, its ability to see the opportunities within the industry and distribute its data and insights across multiple channels,” Reiken said in a release.

This latest hire comes during a roller coaster two years for the company. Last month saw long-time CEO Kathy Ward announce her retirement after decades with the company her father started back in 1961.

A few months prior to that saw the addition of Brian Murphy as V-P of research and editorial. Murphy replaced Josh Bailey, who left the company earlier this year.

Bolstering the executive core this year has been Richard Phillips, who joined as a consultant late in 2015 to provide business planning and marketing support. That role has evolved into the position of V-P of business development and marketing.

Phillips had worked the agency side for over 25 years, most of which was spent developing marketing and business strategies for OEMs including Chrysler, Jeep, Ford, GM, Nissan and Kia.

Of course, the entire executive shuffle was preceded by the good fortune that hit the office last fall when 12 members of the team shared a $60-million lottery jackpot.